Pop Tarts, Brand, and Her

Chapter 17: The Important of Coincidence

Chapter 17: The Important of Coincidence

Apparently news travels fast even if you live in London! I’d been getting congratulatory calls all week…but I certainly hadn’t expected this…

Noel was out and Shannon had opened the door to furious knocking…after which Russell had stormed into her apartment, rather cross. This brings us, readers, to the current moment…

“He knocked you up and you’re marrying him?!” He pointed at Shannon accusingly. His voice quieted a little. “I thought we…”

Shannon narrowed her eyes. “More than I can say for you…how many women have you slept with and then buggered off without caring if they were pregnant or not?” she huffed. “Yes, once, perhaps, I felt something for you…but I don’t anymore. Yes, I’m having his baby, and I’m marrying Noel because I love him!” Shannon sighed, her expression softening. “Look…whatever we had just wasn’t meant to be. Move on…fall in love with someone else.”

“What if there’s no one else?” Russell demanded. “What if you were it?”

“It?” Shannon questioned, brushing hair out of her eyes.

“It! The one person I was meant to…you know…” he trailed off, letting out an exasperated huff. “I think you chose too quickly.”

“No, you’re just mad I didn’t choose you.” Shannon replied condescendingly. “I’m sorry if that’s not how you planned things, but it’s what my heart says is right.” She went to the door and held it open. “Now, kindly leave… I’ve had enough verbal abuse for one day.”

“I…” Russell’s gaze hardened. “Fine.” As Shannon closed the door she thought she heard a whisper. “I’m sorry…”

***

{two months later…}

The service had been simple. “Short and sweet,” Noel had chuckled before he kissed her in front of their families and friends. “Just like you…”

The reception was exceedingly lovely, candles, way too many flowers in Shannon’s opinion. “Mum helped with this…” Shannon’s sister Jess murmured to her quietly before the both of them began giggling.

“So…” Shannon’s best friend Ash began, smirking. “How far along are you? Coz…you’re not showing…”

“Just gone four months yesterday.” Shannon smiled at her sister and best friend. “Doctor Keller says I should start to show during the next month, but it won’t be too noticeable until six months.”

“Awesome!” Jess smiled. “I want to meet the baby first!”

“Depends on if you’re in the UK when the little tyke is born…” Shannon froze at the familiar voice.

She turned and looked up at Russell, offering him a small smile. “She’ll be on Easter holidays when I’m supposedly due…” her smile brightened a little as he grinned. “I didn’t think you’d come…”

“How could I miss two of my best friends’ wedding?” he replied with a chuckle. “Could I steal Shan for just a minute?” he asked Jess and Ash who nodded and walked away. “I want ed to talk to you…”

“Okay…shoot.” Shannon replied as she looked around to see how far Jess and Ash had gone.

“Relax, they’re like six metres from us.” Russell sighed. “I…wanted to apologise…I was a complete and utter arse to you when I found out you were engaged… and I’m really sorry. You made the choice to be happy with someone who you know cares about you as much as you care about him… you love each other and that’s amazing!” he held out a small wrapped box. “So here… happy engagement slash wedding day!” he grinned as Shannon took the gift he handed to her.